CAMBS: Skydiver, 53, dies after collision with another parachutist

ACCIDENT investigators are today trying to find out how one man died and another was seriously injured after they had collided whilst skydiving over Cambridgeshire.

Patrick Sandeman, 53, from Putney, London, collided with a 28-year-old French man, causing their parachutes to collapse 50 feet from the ground as they came down to land at Sibson near Peterborough.

Mr Sandeman, co-owner of Lea & Sandeman wine merchants in London, died at the scene.

The Frenchman was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, with severe spinal and lower leg injuries.

Magpas Helimedix were called to the scene and arrived at 4pm.

A spokesman said: "Sadly, despite all the best efforts of the Helimedix, including advanced level care and attempted resuscitation, a man was pronounced dead at the scene, our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.

"The Magpas team also sedated and anaesthetised a second man, in his late 20's, who suffered severe spinal and lower leg injuries. They then flew him to Addenbrooke's Hospital, where on arrival he was in a stable condition."

Two EEAST Ambulance Crews and the police were also present.

The East of England Ambulance Service was called to Sibson at 3.32pm and two ambulances and a manager were sent to the scene.

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service said: "All emergency crews worked very hard together to try to save the life of one of the men involved but despite the best efforts of crews he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

"Our sincerest condolences go out to his family and loved ones. We wish the second casualty all the best for a good recovery."

Dr Nick Foster of Magpas said: "We did everything we could to save the man who died but sadly couldn't.

"The man who survived was very lucky. It is all about the way you fall."